What is Shot Blasting?
What is Shot Blasting? Frequently, the surface of unfinished material may become dirty and oxidised, covered in mill scale, dirt, and other debris from its manufacturing process. Whilst this is aesthetically unappealing, it may also prevent steel from undergoing fabrication. Any type of steel with an uneven surface will need to undergo some form of treatment to smooth and clean its surface before being welded or machined so that it can achieve proper adhesion.
Whilst there are many ways to clean and prepare the surface of the material, ranging from simply wiping down the surface with a soapy rag to immersing the steel in a bath of complex and often expensive chemicals. Shot blasting is one of the most popular and effective methods to clean and prepare dirty or oxidised steel.
What is Shot Blasting?. Shot blasting is a mechanical cleaning process in which tiny spheres of material are shot at the steel at high speed to remove oxidisation and other dirt or debris from the surface. Shot blasting is similar to sand blasting in that material is propelled at the metal to remove the dirt from its surface, although shot blasting is a much more efficient way to achieve this.
How Does Shot Blasting Work?
Shot blasting works by propelling spheres of material known as shot media against the steel, which removes debris, oxidisation and other contaminants from the surface, leaving you with a completely smooth medium needed for welding and machining.
This can be superior to other methods of cleaning steel as shot blasting is more abrasive than alternatives such as sand blasting, getting the job done more efficiently and more effectively.
In order to use shot blasting as an effective method for cleaning and smoothing unfinished steel, it’s essential to be aware of the propulsion method as well as the form of shot media. The most effective method of shot blasting involves the use of a centrifugal wheel. This wheel is filled with the shot media and spun to create the necessary velocity. The media is then released from the wheel into the gun, allowing the media flow to be directed to the surface of the steel or other material.
Frequently, shot blasting apparatus will also include a recovery system. This often consists of a vacuum used to collect the shot blasting media, allowing the recovered material to be used again.
What Materials Can Be Shot Blasted?
Shot blasting is effective for all types of steel and metal that Baker Steel Trading work with, including:
- Engineering Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Cast Iron
- Black Steel
- Carbon Steel
Is Shot Blasting Safe?
Shot blasting is a safe and effective way to clean and prepare steel surfaces for the adhesion needed in welding and machining. However, this doesn’t mean trying shot blasting yourself is advisable unless you’re an experienced professional.
The experts at Baker Steel Trading have years of experience in steel fabrication. We understand in great detail the precautions and safety measures required to successfully perform many different kinds of steel fabrication.
Steel Fabrication from Wokingham Steel Suppliers
The specialists at Baker Steel Trading have extensive experience with all areas of steel fabrication.
For more about how our expertise can help you, contact Baker Steel Trading, one of the most experienced steel fabricators in the South East, with a breadth of experience in providing expertly structural steel, including beams, staircases and railings.
As well as providing mobile welding services, surveying and measuring, fabrication drawings and crane & HIAB hire, Baker Steel Trading are your one-stop shop for steel fabrication in Wokingham.